Job Details

Post-Doctoral Research Associate - Materials Science Polymer Recycling

Position Number: 6218823
Location: Statesboro, GA
Position Type: Science - Chemistry

Post-Doctoral Research Associate - Materials Science Polymer Recycling

Job ID: 285488
Location: Statesboro, Georgia
Full/Part Time: Full Time
Regular/Temporary: Regular

About Us

Join Our Team at Georgia Southern!

Georgia Southern is a dynamic university with three vibrant campuses in Hinesville, Savannah and Statesboro serving the communities in Southeast Georgia. As a Carnegie Doctoral/R2 institution, our world-class scholars instruct about 26,000 students in associate's, bachelor's, master's and doctoral level degree programs. Whether you are seeking the charm of a small town, the traditions of a historical/urban destination near the beach or supporting our military service members and their families, Georgia Southern offers its faculty and staff the best of all worlds!

Beyond an ideal location, there is a place for you to work in an exciting environment abounding with opportunities for personal and professional growth. We are steeped in tradition and devoted to academic distinction in teaching, scholarship and service. In 2018 Forbes Magazine listed Georgia Southern, along with 10 other Georgia companies or institutions, as one of America's Best Midsize Employers. Georgia Southern University is passionate about serving our region while preparing our students to be lifelong scholars, leaders, and responsible stewards of their communities and the world.

To learn more about Georgia Southern's Vision, Mission and Values please click here: https://president.georgiasouthern.edu/performance-excellence/mission-values/

Location

Statesboro Campus, Statesboro, GA

Department Information

Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry

Job Summary

The Center for Advanced Materials & the Department of Biochemistry, Chemistry and Physics at Georgia Southern University in Statesboro, Georgia is hiring a Post-Doctoral Research Associate. The successful candidate will join one of the research groups outlined below. The position will join the research group of Dr. Rocio Perez, Dr. Jianzhou He, and Dr. Stetson Rowles. The postdoctoral researcher with a strong chemistry background, will have expertise specializing in ionic liquid chemistry, with additional experience in polymer recycling or solubilization. The project addresses a critical Department of Defense need for environmentally friendly methods to manage polymer-metal composite waste. This SERDP-funded project will synthesize and characterize novel ionic liquids, investigate their effectiveness in separating fluoropolymers from metal powders, and conduct sustainability analysis comparing environmental impacts and costs against conventional thermal treatments. The postdoc will benefit from working in the Center for Advanced Materials Science in Statesboro, GA with faculty with expertise in all areas of materials science and technology. This position is time limited and 100% sponsored-funded; therefore, continued employment is contingent upon availability of grant or contract funding.

Employment is contingent upon funding.

Responsibilities

Conduct self-directed and directed research in the research project outlined above
Design and implement high-impact research projects including but not limited ionic liquids, polymer recycling and solubilization
Set up and maintain experimental instruments and equipment
Develop manuscripts and presentations containing results of assigned research findings
Assist with development, edit and review project proposals, presentations, and reports
Manage assignments to graduate assistants and undergraduate researchers as needed
Oversee student researchers during laboratory experiments
Oversee data breakdownand data management
Disseminate research results to scientific audiences through peer-reviewed journal articles, conference presentations, and other media

Required Qualifications

Educational Requirements

PhD degree in a relevant field (chemistry, physics, materials science, etc.)

Required Experience

Expertise in ionic liquids, polymer recycling and solubilization broadly defined.
Author or co-author on publications in a closely related topic.
Experience with common characterization techniques
Excellent laboratory skills in ionic liquids and polymerization and characterization techniques
Proficiency in text, graphics, and data processing software

Preferred Qualifications

Preferred Experience

Experience in synthesis of ionic liquids and their characterization
Experience with polymer solubilization and polymer recycling
Experience with spectroscopic and analytical techniques related to ionic liquids and polymer characterization
Experience with preparing grant applications

Proposed Salary

$56,000

This is an exempt position paid on a monthly basis.

Required Documents to Attach

Resume
Cover Letter
Two (2) Professional References
Unofficial Graduate and Undergraduate Transcripts

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

ABILITIES

Consistently exhibit engaging customer service
Ability to support various constituencies served by the University
Proven proficiency with computers including Microsoft Office, Google, and/or applications as required for specific position
Demonstrated ability to work independently and complete tasks

KNOWLEDGE

Adhere to University policies and procedures to meet Institutional goals and support University's mission for student success

SKILLS

Effective communication (verbal and written), organizational and human relations skills
Strong attention to detail with excellent analytical, judgment, and problem-solving capabilities
Excellent multi-tasking skills
Demonstrated research experience from designing research questions to dissemination of results

Apply Before Date

May 30, 2025

Application review may begin as early as May 16, 2025.

Contact Information

For more information or questions about a job posting, please contact the Department of Human Resources by phone at (912) 478-6947 or by email at hrservice@georgiasouthern.edu.

For technical support, please call the USG Service Desk at (877) 251.2644, or email support@usg.edu.

USG Core Values

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.

Conditions of Employment

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of background investigation including a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with Georgia Southern University, as determined by Georgia Southern University in its sole discretion, confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. Applicants may be subject to a pre-employment drug test.

Offers are made expressly subject to the applicable federal and state laws, to the statutes, rules and regulations of this institution and to the Bylaws and Policies of the Board of Regents (BOR) of the University System of Georgia (USG), which are available for your inspection upon request.

Legally authorized to work in the United States for the duration of employment without assistance from the University.

Must be able to perform duties and responsibilities with or without reasonable accommodation.

Georgia Southern University is a Tobacco and Smoke-Free Community.

Employment contingent on availability of soft grant/contract funds.

Proof of valid driver's license upon hire and throughout employment.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Georgia Southern University provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, religion, age, veteran status, political affiliation, or disability. Individuals in need of reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act to participate in the search process should notify Human Resources: (912) 478-6947.

Other Information

Ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without accommodation.
Workweek may occasionally extend beyond 40 hours.
Evening and weekend work may be required.
Operating motor vehicle equipment (position is required to drive).
Occasional travel may be required.
Working with high stress situations.
Work performed in indoor and outdoor environments.
Exposure to noise, distractions, unpredictable behaviors, and/or to bio-hazardous material.
May be required to maneuver items weighing up to 50 pounds with or without reasonable accommodation.

Background Check

Position of Trust + Education

To apply, visit https://careers.hprod.onehcm.usg.edu/psp/careers/CAREERS/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM_FL.HRS_CG_SEARCH_FL.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_JBPST_FL&Action=U&FOCUS=Applicant&SiteId=39000&JobOpeningId=285488&PostingSeq=1